Once Again in Portman Square explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Lady Laura's passionate regret over her marriage and her lingering love for Phineas; Phineas's coldness to protect both of them.

• Political Ambition and Compromise

  Phineas's disappointment at being passed over for office; Lady Laura's desire to use her influence to help him despite his protests.

• Justice and Injustice

  Lord Brentford's outrage at the injustice of Mr. Kennedy keeping Lady Laura's money and publishing accusations against her.

Characters to notice

• Phineas Finn

  Visits Portman Square at Lady Laura's summons; resists her efforts to secure him a political position; struggles with his feelings for her.

• Lady Laura Kennedy

  Returns from Dresden looking sad and careworn; expresses passionate regret over her marriage and her lost youth; tries to help Phineas politically.

• Earl of Brentford

  Now a broken-down old man; complains bitterly about Mr. Kennedy's madness and the loss of Lady Laura's fortune.

• Robert Kennedy

  Reported to be truly mad; keeps all of Lady Laura's money and has published accusations against her.

• Barrington Erle

  Mentioned as someone Lady Laura wants to speak to on Phineas's behalf; expected to visit soon.

• Mr. Gresham

  Expected to lead the incoming government; Phineas doubts he will be offered anything.

Key passages

• “Loving! A man's love is so easily transferred;—as easily as a woman's hand;—is it not, Phineas? Say the word, for it is what you are thinking.”

  Lady Laura accuses Phineas of thinking that men's affections are fickle, implying he no longer loves her.

  Reveals Lady Laura's insecurity and her belief that Phineas's feelings have changed.

• “Too late for regrets! She had never told herself that it was not too late. She was the wife of another man, and therefore, surely it was too late. But still the word coming from his mouth was painful to her.”

  Phineas's remark that regret is futile stings Lady Laura because it confirms that their past cannot be undone.

  Highlights the tension between her lingering passion and the reality of her marriage.

• “If you can make a Minister afraid of you, then it becomes worth his while to buy you up. Most of the young men rise now by making themselves thoroughly disagreeable.”

  Lord Brentford cynically suggests that political advancement comes from being a nuisance to those in power.

  Reflects the Earl's disillusionment with modern politics.